Frequently Asked Questions about Brushing Teeth in the Classroom!

4. Aren't the cute colorful plastic caps good to use over the bristles of the toothbrushes?

No, because bacteria from the mouth remain on the brush after each use. These bacteria are not eliminated when the brush is rinsed. In fact, the bacteria incubate and multiply in the dark, damp and warm environment that the cap provides. Some childcare centers have been attracted to these colorful caps. Please be aware that the use of these caps, or any caps on the toothbrushes will not allow the toothbrushes to dry regardless of how many holes are in the cap. There is just not enough air circulation inside of the caps to allow for quick and thorough drying of the bristles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brushing Teeth in the Classroom!

How long does it take toothbrushes to dry on a day with normal humidity?

Toothbrushes, on a normal day, take about 12 hours to completely dry because of the density and the softness of the bristles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Teeth in the Classroom.

2. Why should toothbrushes be stored with the handles pointed down and the bristles at the top?

Water from the bristles combines with germs from the hands and then gravitates to the lowest point on the brush. It is pretty obvious that the lowest point ought to be the handle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Teeth in the Classroom.

1. Why is it important to air-dry toothbrushes?

Answer: Bacteria from the mouth remains on the brush after use. These bacteria are not eliminated when the brush is rinsed. Most bacteria are destroyed when the oxygen in the air reaches them. If the brush remains wet or damp for a period of time, the bacteria incubate and multiply and therefore can be a problem. The quicker a brush is dried, the better it is.

Toothbrush Holders or Racks

Sturdy, Sanitary, Portable toothbrush holder for the classroom. Latsa Company offers the largest selection in sizes. We have toothbrush holders that hold 10 brushes, 12 brushes, 20 brushes and 2 sizes that hold infant toddler safety brushes.
We also accept custom orders. Call us to receive a quote for your centers.

Healthy Beginnings for Kids in Childcare

Latsa Company has had numerous requests for information on the cleaning to toothbrushes after the children in childcare facilities are finished with brushing their teeth.  I would like you to check out the information found on two websites; the links to those websites are found on the page of links on Latsa Company's website, http://www.latsa.com/toothbrush_links.html.  If you would like to go directly to the information on the Center for Disease Control's recommendations, it is http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm.  If you would like to go directly to the information from the University of Iowa, the url it is http://www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/ToothbrushingProtocol.pdf.  Basically they both agree that each toothbrush should be thoroughly rinsed separately under water from the faucet to remove toothpaste and any debris. Sanitizing by any other method is not recommended or needed.
Latsa Lady

Stocking Stuffers

It's great to offer Twooth Timers for stocking stuffers.  They require no batteries!  Just twist the tooth and it winds the timer.  In two minutes, it will "ding".  The kids love it and you will find they brush longer.  And of course, the longer they brush their teeth, the cleaner teeth they will have.  Check out the Twooth Timer at Latsa Company, healthy beginnings.